A Valuable Reference Work to Enhance Your Library

by Wayne Jackson

Dr. David Williams is one of Australia’s noted biblical scholars. He has written commentaries on the book of Acts and 1& 2 Thessalonians (New International Biblical Commentary series). Perhaps his most valuable and lasting work, however, will be Paul’s Metaphors — Their Context and Character, a volume that was twenty years in preparation. Williams says the “metaphors” became “windows” through which he “could see Paul as a real man living in a real world.” To him, the rugged apostle “came alive” through these word pictures as he never had before.

This book was published first in 1999, and the initial edition was sold out not long thereafter. Now it is back in print (416 pages).

Concerning this important volume, E. Glenn Hinson, a Professor of Church History, has written that this book:

“merits the attention of every serious student of the Apostle to the Gentiles. Gathering under twelve headings the profusion of metaphors that Paul poured into his writing, David Williams has created an indispensable aid for writers of commentaries, crafters of sermons, and just ordinary readers of Paul’s letters. Researched carefully and documented copiously, Paul’s Metaphors is nonetheless a strikingly readable book that demonstrates once again that students of the New Testament cannot neglect the hard work of philology.”

In twelve major sections the author digs out, from the New Testament letters of Paul, metaphorical treasures of the past that throw a floodlight of knowledge upon the rich language of the apostle under the guiding hand of the Spirit of God.

In addition to the main text, there are several appendices that are tremendously valuable on their own merit.

For example, there is a “Select Chronology of the Roman Empire.” Beginning at 264 B.C. (with the Carthaginian War), and concluding at A.D. 1453 (the fall of Constantinople), the author has provided a listing of the major historical events of this period. Interwoven among the secular events are significant episodes of biblical history, as precisely as they can be known. This is a magnificent resource.

There also is an Appendix dealing with “Ancient Authors and Texts.” From Aristotle to Plato to Eusebius to the Talmud, there are more than 140 biographical sketches, together with bibliographical data, on ancient authors and their written works. It would take months of research to catalog the material that is here condensed to 28 pages.

In addition to an extensive Bibliography, there are Appendices embracing all Scripture Texts cited, Ancient Sources, and Modern Authors.

The Table of Contents of this impressive work clearly will demonstrate the value of this incomparable tool.

LIFE IN THECITY
The Threat of the City
Darkness and Light
The Squalor of the City
Refuse
Fire
Foundations
Building and Demolition
Household Furnishings

LIFE IN THECOUNTRY
Oxen
Shepherding
Trapping
Farming
Sowing and Reaping
Fruit
The Olive

SLAVERYANDFREEDOM
Jobs Performed by Slaves
The Legal Condition of Slavery
Cruelty to Slaves
Branding
Crucifixion
The Purchase of Slaves by New Masters
Slavery as a Result of War
A Slave’s Money
Manumission
Redemption

CITIZENSANDCOURTS OF LAW
The Roman Practice of Law
The Advocate
Justification
Other Courtroom Terms
The Will
Citizens and Aliens
The Ambassador

MANUFACTUREANDMARKETING
The Laborer
The Partner
God as Master Craftsman
The Marketplace
Shopkeepers and Peddlers

THEBUSINESSWORLD
A Guarantee
Debt
Banking

TRAVEL
Reasons for Travel
Letters of Recommendation
Sea Travel
Dangers of Sea Travel
Land Travel
Obstacles to Land Travel
Transportation and Roman Roads

Some books are of the sort that may be read and laid aside. Others become indispensable tools to be used repeatedly. This book will be a valuable resource that the conscientious Bible student will consult again and again.